Healthy Habits
with Allison Easter
Gluteus Stretch
Place one ankle on the opposite knee, flexing the foot. Clasp hands under your thigh (pictured above), or for a more intense stretch, around your knee. Press the tailbone into the floor, arching the lower back. You should experience a moderate stretch in the gluteal muscles.
Hold for 3-5 long breaths. Repeat on the other side.
Hamstring Stretch
Lying on your back, extend one leg upwards and clasp the hands behind your leg. Press your tailbone into the floor until the lower back comes slightly off the floor to increase the angle. Hold for 3-5 long breaths. Repeat on the other side.
Model: Vickie Tanner
Stretching increases flexibility and efficiency in the muscles. Take it to the floor to promote deeper relaxation and reinforce proper spinal alignment.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Basic Stretches on the Floor
Quadricep Stretch (left)
Lying face down, hold onto one foot to stretch the front of the thigh. Draw navel to the spine and reach your tail bone under. Hold for 3-5 long breaths. Repeat on the other leg.
A more intense, kneeling quad stretch is shown at right. Be sure to use padding under your knee.
